TEN Press Release

"Just a short note to officially confirm the rumours that Steve McKenna is indeed no longer in Ten. Gary and Steve reached decision on this just prior to Christmas. Steve had been a loyal servant to the band for the best part of eight years and his departure from the ranks is by amicable agreement. Steve's ultimate career aim is to give up his day job and focus on his music by making himself available to do more session work. This would not be possible within the highly prioritised confines of Ten. 
This coupled with Steve's unavailability to participate on the new forthcoming studio album, had made the timing of his departure, and the decision for him to do so, obvious to all. Ten would like to wish Steve all he hopes for.

Ten are currently immersed in the studio creating their eighth album. The new Ten studio opus, as yet untitled, is scheduled up for late March release in Japan with Europe to follow two weeks later.

Ten are confirmed to appear at Atfar Festival ,Granada, Spain in March, and are in negotiations to appear at the United Forces Of Rock Festival in Stuttgart, Germany in April, where they will promote their new album and their recently released Essential Collection. More European live dates are currently being arranged around those festivals with a collection English dates to follow. Watch this space.

Gary and the boys would like to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you a very happy new year. See you all in 2006."

Steve McKenna Leaves TEN

Steve has asked me to post the following message on the website.

"Having been the bassist in English hard rock band Ten for the past eight years, Steve McKenna has decided to leave the band with immediate effect. Steve has decided to quit the band in order to pursue a more active musical career, particularly live work which has not been possible during the past few years with Ten. Steve leaves the band on amicable terms with all the current members and wishes them well in their future endeavours. Steve will continue to tour as a member of Vaughn and very much looks forward to meeting friends old and new on the road throughout 2006. Steve may be contacted via e mail at the following address :- smckbass@hotmail.com."

I would like to thank Steve for all his help & support over the past eight years & wish him all the best with all his future endeavours.

Gary Hughes Clears Up Confusion over
Essential Collection Drumming

"As a footnote to the Essential Collection release statement we would like to clarify the situation regarding the drumming commitments for these albums. Although Lee is a fully fledged member of TEN he did not appear on either of them due to the tight schedule. Lee joined the band prior to the Fleetwood gig and to expect him to rehearse a full set for that show and all the material for the albums would have been a mammoth task.

To rectify this situation two session drummers were used for the albums which were detailed in the sleeve notes. Lee also didn't appear in the photo shoot for the albums which, combined with the notification of the session drummers, the band thought would be enough to clarify the fact.

Lee will make his album debut on the next TEN release which is due out early 2006."

Site Delays over the next couple of Days

I'm afraid that updates to the site will be a bit delayed over the next few days.

I'm pleased to announce the birth of Mine & my partner Joy first child Rosa Armida Noriega-Durrant who weighed in at 5lb 11oz at 08:58 this morning.

Ten to play ATARFE VEGA ROCK 2006
Festival in Spain March 10-11th 2006

I've just picked up a rumour that Ten will be appearing at the ATARFE VEGA ROCK 2006 festival. The following announcement has been posted on the internet.

"CREMATORY have been confirmed for the 2006 edition of Spain's Atarfe Vega Rock festival, set to take place March 10-11 at Nave Medina Elvira in Atarfe, Granada, Spain. Other bands scheduled to appear at the festival include:

ATARFE VEGA ROCK 2006
Friday 10 Y SATURDAY 11 MARCH
NAVE MEDINA ELVIRA
ATARFE-GRANADA-SPAIN

Behemoth, Crematory, Gamma Ray
In Extremo, Masterplan, Moonsorrow
Nuclear Assault, To Die for, Ten
Testament, Twister Sister,
 Vicious Rumors

TICKETS: www.ticktackticket.com / www.brmusic.net"

I will try to confirm this with the band & the official website

TEN - The Essential Collection
Japanese Chart Position

In the latest chart news, the new TEN compilation album "The Essential Collection" has charted at number 35 in the Japanese Heavy Rock & Metal charts & at number 185 in the main Rock & Pop charts.

Japanese Chart Information courtesy of

JAPAN

Credit Details from 
TEN - The Essential Collection 1995 - 2005

Produced by Gary Hughes

Recorded at Arena Studios - engineered by Gary Hughes, Roger Smith and Simon Brayshaw, Recorded at Invictor Studios - engineered by Chris Francis, Recorded at The Hodson Production Studio - engineered by Paul Hodson, Recorded at Sumner Studios - engineered by John Halliwell and Mark Sumner

Mixed and Mastered by Gary Hughes at Arena Studios

Cover Artwork, Sleeve Design & Layout by John Halliwell

Additional Musicians

Choir

Firefest II - Paul Hodson playing with Blue Tears and Steve McKenna & Lee Morris playing with Vaughn

Just a quick hello to all you eager fans preparing to head to Nottingham for Firefest II tomorrow, I hope you all enjoy the show. I wish I could be with you but unfortunately other circumstances prevent it.

Ten - The Essential Collection 1995-2005
Out Now in Japan

I can confirm that the CDs are out now in Japan. Released on the Avalon/Marquee label Catalogue Number MICP-90020. The Ballads CD also includes an additional track "Rainbow In The Dark".

Official Website has further samples from the forthcoming TEN - The Essentials CDs

The Official TEN website at http://www.ten-online.com/ has now also got additional samples available for your listening pleasure.

From the Rockers CD there are the tracks After The Love Has Gone, Red, & Evermore, while from the Ballads CD there are the tracks Till The End Of Time, We Rule The Night, & Sail Away.

FRONTIERS Releases four samples from the
forthcoming TEN - The Essentials CDs

Frontiers have released four samples for the new Ten - The Essentials CD on their website http://www.frontiers.it/. The samples can either be heard using the links below, or via the multimedia section of the Frontiers website.

	WMA	MP3		WMA	MP3
The Name Of The Rose			Till The End Of Time
Fear The Force			You're In My Heart

Come Join Paul Hodson For A Wicked Halloween !

Only THREE days to go to the next Frontiers Rock Night. Powerzone Promotions In Association with Maymies Nightclub, Hemlock Way, Hawks Green, Cannock & Frontiers Rock Night would like to invite you to their next Rock Night on Friday 28th October 2005.

Paul Hodson is scheduled to hit the stage in the main room for a 45-minute acoustic set 9.45pm to 10.30pm – followed by an informal questions and answers session at the bar in the smaller room.

Support for the evening will be Tara’s Secret – performing a 30-minute acoustic set - appearance scheduled for 9.00pm to 9.30pm. Go check out http://www.taras-secret.com/ for more details.

The Frontiers Rock Night with DJ’s Shaun and Stevie E (Legendary Ex. Highwayman, Cheadle and Maximes Wigan DJ’s- working together again after a 4 year break – to recreate that old Highwayman Experience again!!) will be delivering a great package of good quality classic/melodic rock music from 10.30pm onwards for those who want to hit the dance floor in the main room! You can see the guys in action the last Friday of every month sharing the decks at Maymies!

Prizes for the best fancy dress Halloween Outfit! So Get Creative!

The club will be open from 8.30pm with admission prices for the evening as follows:-

£3 before 10.00pm
£4 before 11.30pm
£5 after 11.30pm

All enquiries can be E-mailed directly to rock.powerzone@fsmail.net.

Powerzone Promotions can also assist you with travel and accommodation arrangements! Or alternatively contact the club directly on 01543 466467.

E-Mail from Gary Hughes

"Hi, Everyone,

Initially, I would like to thank those of you who travelled to Fleetwood for the Festival last weekend. The turnout was excellent and it was great to be treading the boards with Ten once again.

The set was just an hour long due mainly to the fact that I had been suffering with laryngitis and was performing against my doctor's orders. I didn't want to let anyone down by cancelling, but believe me, an hour was enough with a bad throat. Still, in the end I felt I sang well, and the concert went off very smoothly indeed all things considered.

It was great to see Lee fit in so seamlessly. It already feels like he has been in the band for years. And such a nice guy ! He will bring a new dimension to Ten and is absolutely rock solid with his playing.

Chris played his ass off last Saturday. Yes, it was very technical. Yes, at times it was very fast. Yes, it was completely different to any previously recorded guitar parts. Vive la difference!! No clones here,thank you!! Chris is a virtuoso guitarist in every way, and has a very modern approach to everything, from his rhythm to his lead work. His contribution to Ten's sound is taking the band to another level and I really believe that he is one of the reasons that Ten are continuing to evolve - and will continue to do so.

On the Essential Collections, everything guitar-wise is different, barring the integral riffs and lead lines that I originally wrote for the demos and that have since become synonymous with certain songs, whoever plays them. Beyond that, Chris has had "carte blanche" and certainly exercises his use of it.

I'm beginning work on the new studio album this week. It will be the very best that we can deliver because you people deserve it.

Thanks for all your support.

Cheers,

Gary."

Greek Ten Fansite "NEVER SAY GOODBYE" - New URL

The Greek fansite for Ten put together by Peter Papapetros is back UP and running with a new URL :-

http://www.neversaygoodbye.gr/

Frontiers Updates Release Date for The Essential Ten

For the eagle eyed among you, you may have noticed that the release date advertised in Frontiers latest Melodic Rock fanzine ( Issue 10 ) & the release date mentioned in the recent press release is different.

I have contacted Frontiers and have clarified that the European release date for The Essential Ten will be January 23rd 2006.

I can also confirm that Return To Evermore will also be re-issued by Frontiers for those who did not have the opportunity to purchase this previously independent release. This re-issue will be released in April ( please note corrected date ) as a mid-price CD.

THE ESSENTIAL COLLECTION FROM BRITISH ROCKERS TEN

Frontiers Records is glad to give a warm welcome back in the roster to the finest purveyors of British Classic Hard Rock of the past 10 years, the band TEN !

TEN are indeed planning to celebrate their 10th Anniversary with the release of an Essentials double CD collection which shall be divided into Essential Rockers and Essential Ballads.

The big difference in comparison of the original material is that in the words of Ten leader and singer Gary Hughes - "These will be completely fresh recordings of the songs and more in keeping with the way the current line-up play the material, with new ideas on the old themes."

Ten's lineup has now evolved as follows: Gary Hughes Vocals; Chris Francis Guitars; John Halliwell Guitars; Steve McKenna Bass; Paul Hodson Keyboards and Lee Morris - Drums.

"It is important to the band that this collection is not seen as a swan song release." says Hughes who also adds: "Ten are recording a new studio album hot on the heels of this Best Of release. Our delivery date for the new studio album masters is late January. The release date for this album in Europe shall happen on Frontiers Records in April 2006."

The Essential Collection 1995 - 2005 shall be a two CD set in a special slipcase packaging, to feature the following tracklisting: Essential Rockers (Disc 1) - 1.The Name Of The Rose/Wildest Dreams; 2.The March Of The Argonauts/Fear The Force; 3.Ten Fathoms Deep; 4.Apparition; 5.After The Love Has Gone; 6.Remembrance For The Brave/Red; 7.Spellbound; 8.The Robe; 9.Evermore. Essential Ballads (Disc 2) - 1.Till The End Of Time; 2.You're In My Heart; 3.Yesterday Lies In The Flames; 4.Virtual Reality; 5.We Rule The Night; 6.Silent Rain; 7.Through The Fire; 8.Sail Away; 9.Valentine.

The release date of the album has been settled in Europe on Frontiers Records on January 23, 2006.
 

"Best Of" CD to be released in Europe by Frontiers, 
as well as "Return To Evermore"

Frontiers Records are planning to release the as yet untitled "Best Of" CD on the 21st November 2005. On the same day they will be re-issuing "Return To Evermore". This will allow fans to purchase the CD who were unable to get hold of the independently released album .

HMV Japan taking Pre-Orders for next TEN CD

Just noticed that HMV Japan are taking pre-orders for the Ten - Greatest Hits package. The as yet unnamed Two CD set will be released by Avalon/Marquee on the 23rd November. The Catalogue code for the release is MICP90020.

Japanese Chart Information courtesy of

JAPAN

TEN @ FLEETWOODSTOCK - 15th / 16th OCTOBER

With less than three weeks to go can I remind you all that TEN are playing a live gig at the Marine Hall in Fleetwood, Lancashire, UK on the 15th / 16th October.

Tickets for Saturday are now available from the Marine Hall Box Office, Fleetwood, Lancashire. The phone number is 01253 770547 (+44 1253 770547 if calling from outside the UK) for the show on Saturday 15th October. They are priced at £8.00 each. Ten will be playing a full electric set, which will be their first show with new drummer Lee Morris.

Support for the show will be from 'Counterparts - A Tribute to the Music of Rush' (http://counterpartsrushtribute.co.uk/) and a young band called 'Hoax' (http://www.myspace.com/hoaxwired).

There will also be a 30 minute acoustic set to finish the Sunday section of the Fleetwoodstock Festival ( see http://www.fleetwoodstock.info/ for more information ). Tickets for the Sunday are also £8.00 and are available by getting in touch with the promoter who can be contacted at pbcleaners@talk21.com.

Please let me know if you are planning to attend, maybe we can start to build up an on-line Ten community at the shows. Post to the Ten Mailing List, Leave a Message on the TEN OF THE BEST website, drop a note at the forums on Ten-Online, or just drop me an e-mail directly ( tez@clara.co.uk ).

Looking forward to seeing you all there.

TEN welcomes New Drummer

Latest news from Gary Hughes over recent rumours - "I can confirm that Greg Morgan has indeed left the ranks of TEN. His replacement is ex-Paradise Lost/Marshall Law drummer Lee Morris. I can also confirm that the studio work ( "Best Of" and the next TEN album ) is still very much on track and all live commitments remain unaffected. Lees first outing with the band will be the Fleetwood weekend in October 15th/16."

I hope you will all join me in wishing Greg all the best for the future and in welcoming Lee to TEN.

And A Hodson XMAS !!

Melodic Rock XMAS Bash '05

As some of you may have heard on ARFM this weekend, I can now confirm that Paul Hodson will also be playing an acoustic set at the Melodic Rock XMAS Bash 05 at the Ruskin Arms, Manor Park, London on Sunday 4th December.

SACRED HEART Promotion & Management/RUSKIN ARMSin association with ARfm, www.getreadytorock.com, www.hardrockhouse.com & RPM are proud to present:

MELODIC ROCK XMAS BASH 2005!

To be held Sunday 4th December at the world famous RUSKIN ARMS, 386 High Street North, Manor Park, London, E12 6PH.

Also Featuring:

PRIDE
LOST WEEKEND
DOUBLE CROSS
SACRED HEART
THE DREGS OF SOCIETY
ESCAPE (acoustic)
Plus ARfm DJ’S
AND: Give-aways, raffle & CD stall (RPM).

2pm – 11pm, over 18’s only.

TICKETS: £8 in advance (+ booking fee)/£12 on the day. Tickets available at www.seetickets.com & are ON SALE NOW!!!

A fantastic line up, and much more - MRXB '05 is gearing up to be a great day - NOT TO BE MISSED!

For any further information please email info@sacredheartband.com

A Hodson Halloween !

URGENT PRESS RELEASE
October Update- Come Join Us – For A Wicked Halloween!

Its with great pleasure – that Powerzone Promotions In Association with Maymies Nightclub, Hemlock Way, Hawks Green, Cannock/Frontiers Rock Night – can now confirm that Paul Hodson will be appearing at the club on Friday 28th October 2005.

Paul is scheduled to hit the stage in the main room for a 45-minute acoustic set 9.45pm to 10.30pm – followed by an informal questions and answers session at the bar in the smaller room.

Support for the evening will be Tara’s Secret – performing a 30-minute acoustic set - appearance scheduled for 9.00pm to 9.30pm. Go check out their website at www.taras-secret.com.

Frontiers Rock Night with DJ’s Shaun and Stevie E (Legendary Ex. Highwayman, Cheadle and Maximes Wigan DJ’s- working together again after a 4 year break – to recreate that old Highwayman Experience again!!) will be delivering a great package of good quality classic/melodic rock music from 10.30pm onwards for those who want to hit the dance floor in the main room!

You can see the guys in action the last Friday of every month sharing the decks at Maymies!

Mark from RPM should also be present – selling a wide range of CD’s and DVD’s (Subject to Confirmation!)

The club will be open from 8.30pm with admission prices for the evening as follows:-

£3 before 10.00pm
£4 before 11.30pm
£5 after 11.30pm

All enquiries to be E.Mailed directly to rock.powerzone@fsmail.net

Powerzone Promotions can also assist you with travel and accommodation arrangements!

Or alternatively contact the club directly on 01543 466467.

Update on the Fleetwood Show

The following message has been issued out to all those requesting further information on the gig being discussed for Fleetwood.

"Hi

Thanks for sending your request for updates re TEN. Gary has made an extensive post on the tenofthebest website ( see below for the full transcript ). He has included a reference to the proposed gig which I can tell you is scheduled to take place as part of a weekend of live music at the Marine Hall in Fleetwood, Lancashire on the weekend of 15th and 16th October 2005. Tickets will be available soon and I will e-mail details of this to you asap.

We have a website which is http://www.fleetwoodstock.info/. There is a number to ring for tickets but they will not be available from there until next Monday at least. The venue is all standing so there's no rush to get tickets early.

Talking of Rush hopefully one of the support bands on Saturday is going to be a Rush tribute band if any of you are fans. That's all the info for now. I will e-mail as soon as I know anything else.

Phil"
 

TEN / Gary Hughes Update

Gary has issued an update on numerous things TEN to the TEN Mailing List. Here is the update :-

"Dear All,

I have been reading your various mails over the past few days and I thought
it was about time I said a few words to you all and clarified a few things.

Firstly, let me just thank you all for your impassioned correspondences.  It
is good to know that there are some people out there who are loyal enough to
exchange these points of view in the first place. Thank you all.

I must, however, make it very clear that my participation in this debate
will not be a regular occurrence. I am generally `snowed under' with work of
one nature or another, and as much as I would love to, I simply can't reply
to 50 or so e-mails every day.  But this being the case, I will try in this
e-mail to touch on all aspects of Ten's future plans, and put a few ghosts
finally to rest in the bargain.

On Return to Evermore  - I want to thank you very much for your support.  It
was our first release on our Intensity label and, given this fact, we did
surprisingly well.  Our workload was effectively trebled, given that we had
to press and sell the album on top of recording and promoting it with phone
and e-mail interviews.  I must point out that we did advertise this release
and to some expense.  We ran very expensive full-page ads in Classic Rock
and Metal Hammer.  Fireworks were extremely supportive over here. (Thanks,
Bruce).  In Europe, we advertised in magazines such as Arise, Rock Hard and
Hard Rock to name but a few, and were heavily featured in many, many more.

We were considering a complete revamp of our ten-online home site at the
time.  Therefore, we called a halt to any update work on there, pending any
potential makeover. One thing or another took over at that point and by the
time we got around to discussing the matter further, the time had
unfortunately passed.  The fault for lack of updates, therefore, falls
squarely with me.

In fairness to Craig, he regularly tried to kick my ass into gear on the
phone but I had reached the point where I couldn't see the wood for the
trees.  I was chasing everything from my tail to outstanding shipment
payments amongst other things. However, we were blessed by extreme
solidarity on our Ten associated websites and, in particular, Ten Of The
Best ( Thanks, Tez ).  We also promoted through Andrew at Melodicrock.com to
some effect.

Live dates in support of RTE were not possible for numerous reasons, most of
which were financial, as any money was literally tied up in the CDs. It was
a learning curve period for me but I know now that I can sell Ten albums in
Europe, even though it is more work than you could ever imagine.

Most of you will know, from the RTE credits that, over the past two years, I
have been busy establishing Arena (Studios) here in the North and, as with
any new business, this has been a 24/7 task. Thankfully, things are
beginning to even out now. So I apologise for the quiet period on the Ten
front.  In any case, normal service has now been resumed and as soon as was
humanly possible.

Judging by your comments on the list, most of you are wondering what's next
from Ten.

I can officially confirm that I have just signed Ten to a new multi-album
deal with Marquee/Avalon in Japan and all the signs are that I will be
renewing my acquaintance once again with Frontiers Records for Europe.  To
begin with, I can confirm that Ten are currently working on a "Best Of "
style collection of songs.  This will take the form of two discs. A Rockers
album and a Ballads album to cater for either mood. Both discs will feature
material from the past 10 years and will be a 10th Anniversary collection.
(Ten years of Ten, who would have guessed!)  The difference is that these
will be completely fresh recordings of the songs and more in keeping with
the way the current line-up play the material, with new ideas on the old
themes.

I must say at this point that I know one or two of you still carry a torch
for Vinny, and no matter what we do with the re-recordings, your opinions
will be coloured by it.  I would just like to say that Vinny is a great
guitar player and added greatly to Ten during his time with the band.
However, Chris and John will be replacing all the guitar parts on the
material. In particular, Chris will be playing solos written in his own
style.  This is as much out of respect for Vinny's work with the band as
anything else.

There is also the matter of performance copyright.  It simply wouldn't be
right to use Vinny's guitars from multitrack now that he is no longer in
Ten.  Vinny left Ten almost 4 years ago now and I feel that it is long since
time it was finally put to rest.  Vinny was undeniably unique but then so is
Chris, and I know from spending time rehearsing and gigging with him that he
loves Ten and he loves the Ten fans.  I truly feel that he has only just
begun to show you the kind of class and ability that he possesses.

So, back to the "Best Of "(title to be decided)..  I am not sure at this
stage whether it will take the form of a double album or two separate discs
with a box surround.  Either way, our delivery date for the masters is 20th
September and our simultaneous release date, for both Japan and Europe, is
21st November 2005.

It is important to the band that this "Best Of " is not seen as a swan song
release.  Therefore, I can also confirm that Ten are recording a new studio
album hot on the heels of the "Best Of". Our delivery date for the new
studio album masters is 20th January 2006.  The release date for this album
is 21st March in Japan with Europe to follow 14 days later.

On another associated subject, I am also in negotiation to do another solo
`Precious Ones style` album in 2006 AND another concept style piece ala Once
and Future King.

Which brings me to the painful subject of the live Gods DVD.  Unfortunately,
the situation is this: Ten played the Gods that year on the understanding
that our label at the time would pay to record and film the show. The outlay
for this would constitute the advance for European licensing rights. Ten
would then have the masters to sell outside Europe i.e. Japan and the US.

As you may or may not know, Now and Then Records have now disappeared as a
label.   Ten have neither seen the master tapes nor do they have rights of
ownership.

I posted on our website and our associated websites at the time, saying
that fans should exercise caution over pre-ordering a DVD under these
circumstances. Now it seems the situation is irretrievable.  Frontiers
Records discussed purchasing the masters if I would mix and finish them.
However, at this stage almost three years on, even if the masters were made
available, there is no guarantee that they won't "drop out".  Audio wise, I
wouldn't discover this until the tapes were playing back through the desks
at Arena.  I would then be in the position of having committed myself to
repairing and mixing something which was unfixable.   Also, Frontiers would
not be obliged to honour any pre-sales taken by Now and Then.  The whole
thing has become a minefield that I dare not enter.

There is now talk of recording a new show for DVD - more current and up to
date. If this does come about, some people who have pre-ordered with Now and
Then will understandably feel aggrieved.  However, please remember that
neither Ten, Frontiers Records nor Marquee/Avalon, have taken your original
pre-order money. Ten were victims just like you.

On a lighter note.

On the live front, Ten are still in negotiation to appear at a festival in
Ludwigsburg, Germany, on the 30th October.  If the German show goes ahead,
then warm up shows in the UK, including 15th and 16th October at The Marine
Hall in Fleetwood, will take place.  As soon as anything is confirmed we
will let you know.

Well..Considering that I have never posted here before I seem to be `on a
bit of a roll'.

Assuming that at least one or two of you are still awake by now, I'd just
like to say that it's been a pleasure talking things through with you.
Sorry I left it till now but I wanted to have at least "done the deals"
before giving anyone false hopes, as speculation can be incredibly
misleading.  We have a great many albums in the pipeline and I know there
will surely be dates along the way in support of them.

In the meantime, thank you for your patience and I look forward to seeing
you soon.

All the very best,

Gary Hughes"

Possible TEN Show in October ?!

As you can from the message recently entered in the Guestbook ( see below ) there is some behind the scenes work going on in getting a Ten show arranged in October in the north of England. I have contacted various members of the band and can confirm that the band are currently in negotiations at this moment in time, but nothing is definite as yet as its not always easy nor straightforward to arrange these kind of events. As soon as there is some concrete information, I’ll update the website further.

"Hi Ten fans

You might like to know that Ten are planning to play a show in October in the north of England and record it for a live DVD release. If you want to be kept updated about the details please send an e-mail to me at pbcleaners@talk21.com just giving the subject line as ''TEN'' and saying ''Please keep me updated''. This is totally genuine - I am part of the promotions team - and is part of a whole weekend of music so you will be able to make a weekend of it.

Thank you

Phil"

Steve & Greg to appear at FIREFEST 2
with VAUGHN

It's with great pleasure that Firefest announce the addition of Vaughn to the bill for Saturday November 26th.

Vaughn are no strangers to UK stages having completed a very successful co headlining tour with Firehouse in March 2004. Danny was keen to play and Firefest were keen to have him so it was really that easy. Danny's band, bassist Steve McKenna (Ten), drums Greg Morgan (Dare/Ten), guitarist Pat Heath (Passion Street/Brave new World), Tony Marshall (Contagious) is the same band that toured in 2004 and drew so many compliments from fans and critics alike. In keeping with Danny's idea of keeping it different, Vaughn will be plundering Danny's back catalogue for an all encompassing show consisting of classics from Waysted, Blues for Days, and even some numbers from Gary Hughes Once and Future King, to which he contributed vocals on some tracks. This of course in addition to the many classic Tyketto and Vaughn tracks makes this a set list to die for. As usual you are requested to bring your best singing voices.

Firefest Official Web Site

There is also a new Firefest website being started :-

"Things are moving along at a hectic pace in the Firefest camp and we are delighted that we will have our own on line web site shortly http://www.fire-fest.co.uk/. With the web site fully operational within two weeks it will have a detailed and comprehensive list of bands, reviews, interviews, sound bytes etc. as well as all the information pertaining to Firefest 2 at Nottingham Rock City such as venue details, accommodation, travel and transport links, maps, set times and competitions, as well as a merchandise area that you can use to grab a festival t-shirt or some other nice surprises that we will have available shortly. So please bookmark us at http://www.fire-fest.co.uk/ and check back for updates. Looking forward to seeing everybody in Nottingham on November 25th and 26th. Enquiries or comments to firefest@hotmail.com or info@fire-fest.co.uk."

 

Steve McKenna & Greg Morgan
On The Road Again with VAUGHN

Steve & Greg will once again provide the rhythm section for Vaughn as they tour the UK in December. The following comes from the Vaughn newsletter :-

"We are setting up a VAUGHN your for December. It will only be a couple of weeks and only a few select cities but I will be playing with the same bunch of British reprobates that were along for the ride last time. Steve McKenna, Greg Morgan, Pat Heath, and Tony Marshall have all been crazy enough to agree to give it another go working with me. I always want to make each tour a little different so this time, since I don't have anything brand new to promote, I thought that I would compile a longer set list than usual. While we will be playing several of the Tyketto and Vaughn classics that are a staple to my shows, I want to add in songs from other recordings that I've done that have never been done on stage before. Therefore, on this tour there will be a number of songs from WAYSTED-SAVE YOUR PRAYERS, FLESH & BLOOD, THE ONCE AND FUTURE KING, and, of course, FROM THE INSIDE. This will be a real challenge to the entire band as well as myself but I think it would be a real treat to perform and, I hope, to listen to. I can't do all of them, but I will take suggestions for songs submitted to the Vaughn web site under advisement! We have 5 confirmed dates so far. They are:

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9- BELFAST, IRELAND. Sadly, The Empire was booked up but we will be at another venue that will be announced here in the next week or so.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10-ROTHERHAM, UK - HERRINGTHORPE LEISURE CENTRE.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11- DUDLEY, UK - JB'S

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16 - ATHENS, GREECE - VENUE TO BE ANNOUNCED

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17 - THESSALONIKI, GREECE. "EARTH" (the same venue that Tyketto played)

There will be more dates coming. We are waiting on some clubs in Scotland, Newcastle, Liverpool, and Spain to respond. If you can, please make any calls to the clubs to request tickets or get info or to push them to have us play there. The success of this and any future tours is going to rest with our fans, so any help would be greatly appreciated."

PAUL HODSON - ACOUSTIC GIG
SATURDAY 13th NOVEMBER

Paul will be performing a short acoustic set at Legends Niteclub, Staffordshire University, Beaconside, Stafford this Saturday (13th). Admission is free before 9.00 and CHEAP DRINKS !!!!

HODSON  ( featuring Paul Hodson )  &  Enzign  ( featuring John Halliwell )  Appearing at Z-Rock 2004

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER THE 19TH 2004

THE CAVERN, LIVERPOOL

DOORS NOON - LATE

featuring WAR & PEACE [Jeff Pilson of Dokken] MITCH MALLOY, LIONSHEART, HODSON, ENZIGN and many more

ADVANCE TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE FOR £20 [plus booking fee] AT THE FOLLOWING RECORD SHOPS BEFORE NOON ON SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 18TH:

PROBE RECORDS, LIVERPOOL

QUIRKS RECORDS, ORMSKIRK

X RECORDS, BOLTON

[please note entrance on the day will be priced at £25]

4 / 5 Review in Classic Rock magazine 
for "Return To Evermore"

"Much has changed in Ten's environment since their last alum, 'Far Beyond The World', in late 2001.  New guitarist Chris Francis takes the place of former Dare/Asia man Vinny Burns on the UK hard rock band's seventh studio release, their debut for the group's own label Intensity Records.  'Return To Evermore' is broader-based collection that sees them addressing criticisms of 'FBTW' which some fans felt was too commercial.  It's to Francis's credit that Burns isn't missed at all, adding a distinctly modern edge to the group's velvety style and even jousting with six-string partner John Halliwell as Ten revive the Celtic-style bravado on 1999's 'Spellbound' album via the thoroughly rousing 'Evermore'.

 Mostly, however, the six-piece band are happy to remind us that they haven't lost their epic qualities.  Eight-minute opener 'Apparition' is breathtaking, ditto the power balad 'Sail Away'.  'Return...' is simply an album that has a little of everything, and a lot of class."

4 out of 5 - Dave Ling

Crackin' 9.5 out of 10  Review in Hard Roxx Magazine

Hard Roxx Magazine is a superb free e-mail magazine from the people behind the late / great Hard Roxx.

To subscribe please e-mail hardrocxx@btconnect.com

When UK melodic rockers Ten were preparing for their last studio album ‘Far Beyond The World’ at the tail end of 2001, few would have guessed at the depth of the internal divisions which were about to rupture an otherwise calm façade. However, on the eve of its release, an eleventh hour press statement announced the departure of long time guitarist Vinny Burns, ensuing interviews leaving little doubt that the split was less than amicable. You could perhaps have forgiven the rest of the band for throwing in the towel at that point, but within weeks, a new guitarist was announced in the shape of the completely unknown Chris Francis.

Burns prowess as a guitarist is beyond question, so anyone stepping into his shoes was never gonna have an easy ride, but as any of you who’ve heard his contribution to either of the ‘Once And Future King’ releases will attest, Chris Francis is a more than capable replacement. 

‘Return To Evermore’ however is the real baptism of fire, the question on everyone’s lips being something along the lines of ‘how will he fit into the Ten set up whilst maintaining his own individual style?’. Based on a rather intense weekend locked away with an advance copy on near permanent rotation, the answer it seems is ‘surprisingly easily’.

After the full blooded melodic metal assault of ‘Spellbound’ back in early ’99, both ‘Babylon’ and ‘Far Beyond The World’ saw Ten strive to recapture the glorious AOR sound achieved with their first couple of releases ‘Ten’ and 'The Name Of The Rose’; and whilst both edged ever closer, ‘Return To Evermore’ is without doubt the one that nails it completely. I must confess, for some strange reason I was a tad disappointed when I first heard this CD, but after a few spins with the volume cranked up to max on a decent stereo, the quality of the songs really does begin to shine through on a truly massive scale.

In essence, for all those AOR purists who were phased by the heavier, more grandiose direction of ‘The Name Of The Rose’ (still my favourite Ten album), ‘Return To Evermore’ is probably the closest the band are ever gonna get to the sound of that debut, yet at the same time it still has a marvellous epic quality to it. I’ve always been a big admirer of main man Gary Hughes’ uncanny ability to capture raw emotion and set it to haunting melodies, and once again that’s exactly what he’s done with the twelve songs on ‘Return To Evermore’. With no hint of a filler or even remotely substandard track anywhere, Ten have stuck two fingers up to all those who wrote them off as a spent force following the departure of Vinny Burns. Mixing thought provoking epics with shorter, hugely infectious bursts of joyous energy, Ten have recaptured all their early exuberance and enthusiasm, distilling it down into an hour’s worth of music which I’m sure will top many ‘Best Of’s …’ come December.

If I was to give you a detailed track by track breakdown of ‘Return To Evermore’, it would probably take longer to read than to listen to the damn thing for yourself, so I’ll limit my observations to a few tantalising tasters to whet your appetite. At the moment, ‘Strangers In The Night’ is fast emerging as my favourite cut on the whole album. A smouldering, near perfect slice of mid paced, melodic AOR angst, this ranks up there as one of the best tunes Gary has ever written. Then there’s the lengthy ‘Apparition’ which opens the album, a simmering, awe inspiring slice of atypical Ten melodrama; the breathy ‘Sail Away’ with its huge, crescendo driven chorus; and the tantalisingly different ‘Tearing My Heart Out’ which brings the whole thing to a close with a slightly more modern edge.

From sort of semi indifferent beginnings (my fault, not theirs), this album has rapidly grown into a bit of a monster, and the true test of any future classic, it keeps getting stronger the more I listen to it. Make no mistake, Ten are back with a real bang … absolutely essential!

9.5/10 Dave Cockett

INTENSITY RECORDS are now pleased to announce
that you can purchase the new TEN CD 
"RETURN TO EVERMORE" 
by PAYPAL

Please note that by clicking on the buttons below you are placing your order direct with Intensity Records, not with Ten Of The Best.

TEN - RETURN TO EVERMORE EUROPEAN EDITION CD Inc Postage & Packing to UK £10.00

TEN - RETURN TO EVERMORE EUROPEAN EDITION CD Plus Postage & Packing WORLDWIDE £10.00 + £2.00

OTHER PAYMENT METHODS

You can also order directly from the band via: Intensity Records, Unit 6, Maritime Street Industrial Estate, Copse Road, Fleetwood, FY7 7BP, United Kingdom.

UK Sterling Cheques and Postal Orders for 10.00GBP (UK Only) - For orders outside the UK, please include an extra 2.00GPB for postage.

All cheques / postal orders to be made out to "A. STELFOX"

NOW ALSO AVAILABLE AT AMAZON

Order Now

Order Now

& MANY OTHER MAIL ORDER OUTLETS

including ... MusicBuyMail, AORHeaven, Wishing Well Entertainment, CD Japan, Z-Roxx, X Records, Loud 1, Destiny Records, Sonic Empire Music, NEH Records ....

UPDATED JAPAN CHART POSITION

Another great week in Japan for the latest TEN album "Return To Evermore". The album has gone up 6 places to NUMBER 4 in the Heavy Metal chart, and has gone up an amazing 66 places to NUMBER 33 in the main Rock & Pop charts. The new Ten album is now outselling The Scorpions / Unbreakable album ( which is at number 37 in the main Rock & Pop charts & at number 6 in the Heavy Metal chart ) !

Japanese Chart Information courtesy of

JAPAN

TEN - RETURN TO EVERMORE
TOP TEN NEW ENTRY
Japanese Chart Position Update - 23rd June

In the latest chart news, the new TEN album "Return To Evermore" is the third highest new entry in the Japanese Heavy Metal charts. It has entered the chart at number 10 in the Japanese Heavy Metal charts and has entered in at number 99 in the main Rock & Pop charts.

Japanese Chart Information courtesy of

JAPAN

NEW ALBUM
More Information & Samples Now Available

The album was mainly recorded at Gary Hughes' Arena Studio. Drums were recorded at Mastertone Studios. All the acoustic and clean electric guitars were recorded in Southport at Churchill Sound Studios, while some 'odd widdle and squeal'  guitar tracks were done at Chris Francis' Up To Speed Studio.

The album was mastered at Mastertone studio under the experienced hands of Graham Woodcock ( The Quest ).

The following are samples from some of the tracks that will appear on the European version ( all samples are in Windows Media format  (WMA) ) :-

Apparition, Dreamtide, Evermore, Sail Away, Temple Of Love, Even The Ghosts Cry, Strangers In The Night, Evil's On Top In The World, The One, Lost Soul, Stay A While, Tearing My Heart Out.

A full download of the track 'Temple Of Love'  plus samples of all the songs in MP3 format can be found at MelodicRock.Com

RETURN TO EVERMORE
Windows Desktop Theme

Want to have a Return To Evermore theme on your computer. Well now you can thanks to Italian Ten fan Andrea "Zedd" Zerbinati.

Download It Here

TEN - RETURN TO EVERMORE
European Edition Ordering Details

The album will be available at all your favourite online retailers, but you
can order directly from the band via: Intensity Records, Unit 6, Maritime Street Industrial Estate, Copse Road, Fleetwood, FY7 7BP, United Kingdom.

UK Sterling Cheques and Postal Orders for 10.00GBP (UK Only) - For orders outside the UK, please include an extra 2.00GPB for postage.

All cheques / postal orders to be made out to "A. STELFOX"

Intensity are also proud to announce that the first 2000 will be exclusive limited edition signature copies, personally signed by Gary Hughes."

TEN - RETURN TO EVERMORE - More Details

	JAPAN 23rd June 2004 TEN RETURN TO EVERMORE   Avalon / Marquee label Catalogue No MICP10444 Apparition, Dreamtide, Evermore, Sail Away, Temple Of Love, Even The Ghosts Cry, Strangers In The Night, Evil's On Top In The World, The One, Lost Soul, Stay A While, Tearing My Heart Out, It's You I Adore.
	EUROPE 23rd June 2004 TEN RETURN TO EVERMORE   Intensity Records  Apparition, Dreamtide, Evermore, Sail Away, Temple Of Love, Even The Ghosts Cry, Strangers In The Night, Evil's On Top In The World, The One, Lost Soul, Stay A While, Tearing My Heart Out.

TEN - Return To Evermore - Official News Release

"Just letting you know that TEN are to release the new album "Return To Evermore" on our own label in Europe - Intensity Records.   

It will be released on the 23rd June simultaneously with Japan and the track listing is as follows :-

Apparition
Dreamtide
Evermore
Sail Away
Temple Of Love
Even The Ghosts Cry
Strangers In The Night
Evil's On Top In The World
The One
Lost Soul
Stay A While
Tearing My Heart Out

Hope you like it. We think it rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

All the best, 

Gary Hughes"

RETURN TO EVERMORE - Tracklist from HMV Japan

Ten's new album 'Return To Evermore' will be released in Japan on the 23rd June. According to HMV Japan the track list will be as follows :-

Apparition, Dreamtide, Evermore, Sail Away, Temple Of Love, Even The Ghosts Cry, Strangers In The Night, Evil's On Top In The World, The One, Lost Soul, Stay A While, Tearing My Heart Out, It's You I Adore.

Hopefully there will be some 'official' news available soon.

HODSON GIG APPEARANCES

Hodson will be appearing as support to Lost Weekend on Friday 4th June in Rochdale. As per their appearance at last years Magnumania 2003, Paul & Josie will be performing an 'acoustic' set.

Venue details are as follows :-

Rochdale Transport Club,
Baron Street,
Rochdale,
OL16 1SJ

Tel : 01706-632087
http://www.jlc-rock-promotions.com/

Also don't forget that HODSON will also be appearing as support to Girlschool on  Sunday 20th June at The Underworld, London.

Venue details are as follows :-

174 Camden High Street,
London,
NW1 0NE

Tel :  020 7482 1932
Fax : 020 7482 1955
http://www.theunderworldcamden.co.uk/

FRONTIERS RECORDS to release
Hodson "This Strange World" in July

FRONTIERS RECORDS are excited to announce all the details of the release of the anticipated debut album from the British band HODSON entitled "This Strange World".

HODSON is a new, exciting Melodic Hard Rock band, brainchild of current TEN keyboard player: Paul Hodson. Formed in 2003, Hodson consist of Paul on vocals and keyboards, Vince O'Regan (Pulse, Bob Catley) and guitar and Josie Vespa on bass with help from Lynch Radinsky (Pulse) on drums. Paul Hodson is also best known as the producer and songwriter of Bob Catley's highly successful and critically acclaimed last studio album "When Empires Burn". With a tour planned for September, HODSON look to be set from going strength to strength.

Musically the album wets the appetites of those who are into classic and epic hard rock music in the style of Rainbow, heavier Magnum and Whitesnake. "This Strange World" will include the following tracks: This Foolish World; Jelunda; The Calling; My Saviour; English Rose; Shamen Eyes; Soulman; Light in the Black (a storming cover of the Rainbow classic!); The Swan. Plus: This Foolish World - video

Frontiers Records plans to release the release of the album on July 12th, while the Japanese release will happen on Marquee / Avalon Records.

HODSON are an act to watch out for and a bright reality of the current British rock scene

Return To Evermore

HMV Japan have just announced initial details of the next Ten album. Entitled "Return To Evermore" ( Catalogue No MICP10444 ), the album is due for release on the 23rd June via the Avalon / Marquee label. 

This Strange World - Initial Release Info

Also released on the 23rd June in Japan is Hodson's "This Strange World" featuring Ten keyboard player Paul Hodson. This album is also released on the Avalon / Marquee label ( Catalogue No MICP10445 ).

Posting to TEN Mailing List by Now & Then's Bruce Mee

"Exclusive Gary Hughes interview coming up in next issue of Fireworks (out mid/late May). I'm just back from having a listen to the new album at Gary's new Arena Studio ... Fans are going to LOVE this album with a passion. My description would be the debut 'Ten' mixed 'Babylon', with parts of 'Name Of The Rose' for good measure.

Regarding the Gods DVDs, without getting into a too complicated explanation, we ended up having to do them one at a time due to a mixture of being let down by someone, and the unforeseen costs of tape transfer, as different formats were required by all bands in order for them to mix. And the Ten DVD was delayed only because Gary has been too busy with firstly, the 2 Arthur albums, then immediately the new Ten album, to have time to mix the live Gods tapes, so the other bands were done first. But the Ten DVD should be out this year, and Gary talks about the Gods DVD in the forthcoming Fireworks interview.

But for the moment, just be happy in the knowledge that the forthcoming Ten  album ( at this point in time, late June is the plan ) will be everything you hoped for - and MORE!!"

ENZIGN to play at Z Rock 2004

ENZIGN [feat: John Halliwell] have been confirmed to appear at Z Rock 2004 on September 19th in Liverpool. The band are currently writing material for their new album due late 2004.

Tickets for Z Rock 2004 will go on sale April 19th, priced at £20 each (booking fee will apply) via the following credit card hotlines:

T: +44 (0) 1782 522370
T: +44 (0) 1489 603549
T: +44 (0) 1484 643392

Latest Message from Paul Hodson

"Just to keep you up to speed, Hodson are supporting Girlschool on Sunday 20th June at The Underworld, London. Will let you know firm release dates on the album in the next few days."

Venue details are as follows :-

174 Camden High Street,
London,
NW1 0NE

Tel :  020 7482 1932
Fax : 020 7482 1955
http://www.theunderworldcamden.co.uk/

TEN - Next Album - Rumours

OK I must stress that this is not in any way shape or form an 'official' news item .... however I have been told from 'sources close to the band' that the guys are in the process of laying down tracks this month .... & that mixing of the album should be starting end of Mar / beginning of Apr.

If this information is correct ( and I'm fairly confident with regards my sources ;-) ), I personally would expect that Japan may see a release for the album sometime during the summer.

I don't usually leak rumours ... however in this case I'm a) quite sure of my sources & b) I know that you guys have been desperate to hear some news.

Watch this space & the official site at http://www.ten-online.com/ for further news and development.

Steve & Greg Pictures from Vaughn Gig
at Sheffield Corporation

Steve & Greg were in great form at the Pride/Deadline/Vaughn/Firehouse show at the Sheffield Corporation, Greg in particular seemed to be having a great time ( though you need to take it easy Greg ... those blisters looked painful ! )

Extra Vaughn Dates for Steve & Greg

Latest from the Vaughn Mailing List ...

MORE VAUGHN GIGS ARE HAPPENING!

I just got the good news that we have more Vaughn gigs in the UK. These shows will be us on our own, playing a longer, more involved set than the one we are playing with Firehouse.

Extra Vaughn UK Tour Dates:

Date	Venue
Monday, March 15th	LIMELIGHT, CREWE
Tuesday, March 16th	TRILLIANS, NEWCASTLE
Sunday March 21st	CAVERN, LIVERPOOL

Steve McKenna & Greg Morgan Update

As well as passing on his 'Seasons Greetings', Steve McKenna has updated Ten Of The Best with the following titbits of news ...

First things first is that Steve & Greg will be on tour in March 2004. Steve & Greg will be the 'rhythm' section for Vaughn when they hit the road in support of Firehouse.

Here is the official 'Press Release' from the tour promoter :-

Danny Vaughn Announces Touring Line-up
With the Firehouse/Vaughn tour getting closer by the day , Danny has put the finishing touches to his line up. Joining Danny will be some well known as well as lesser known (although that will soon change given their outstanding talents) musicians.

Tony Marshall formerly of British hard rockers Contagious will occupy one of the guitar slots. Tony not only is a very competent guitarist but possesses a mighty set of pipes that will provide the perfect foil for Danny’s heavy duty live delivery. 

Pat Heath formerly of much loved British AOR band Passion Street and most recently Brave New World will slot in to the other guitar slot. Pat is regarded by all who have heard him play as one of the brightest talents to emerge in the last decade. His mastery of the fret board is second nature to him with incisive, innovative and searing lead work the order of the day. 

The rhythm section will need absolutely no introduction to melodic hard rock audiences anywhere. Steve McKenna and Greg Morgan the long standing rhythm section of British hard rock idols TEN will be the men in the engine room for the tour. Steve’s ability is well documented and has seen him play with a selection of stars such as Zack Wylde( at the Hard Rock Café Tokyo) amongst others. Danny is delighted that Steve was able to clear his schedule and come on board. Greg Morgan, who first came to prominence with classic English aor act Dare, playing on their Blood from Stone opus is regarded as one of the finest rock drummers on the scene at present. Greg’s availability further strengthens the line up and adds the final touch to the Vaughn band , that will deliver 110% each and every show. 

Danny is very excited to get back to playing with a band and has spent a number of months putting together what he feels is by far the best group of musicians he could wish for. Vocal exercises are the order of the day for anybody attending the shows, don’t say you haven’t been warned!

Pride/Vaughn/Firehouse UK Tour Dates:

Steve Records Bass Tracks for New Millennium album

In addition Steve has played bass on the new Millennium album which features Ralph Santolla on guitar. The album should hopefully be released soon.